Afterschool Program
Mission Statement
The Parks Afterschool Program seeks to enhance communities and enrich the lives of children in the City of New York by providing safe, supportive, and structured environments that support overall health and well-being. Parks Afterschool offers quality educational, recreational, and cultural programs that promote the social, physical, intellectual, and emotional development of children and youth.
Structured Afterschool Program
On any afternoon of the week, visit one of the 35 Parks Afterschool locations and you will see children ages 6-13 years old participating in a wide variety of recreational, cultural, and educational programs. Three thousand children in the City of New York are served by the Parks Afterschool Program between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, the time when school-aged children are most in need of being in safe, supportive environments. Parks Afterschool youth receive homework help, participate in fitness activities, and explore arts & culture opportunities. Parks Afterschool programs complement what children are learning in schools and strengthen their sense of belonging in the communities in which they live.
Parks Afterschool Programs are certified under the School-Aged Child Care (SACC) Regulations of New York State.
Academics
Parks Afterschool youth receive academic support from staff to complete homework and reinforce classroom learning. In addition, Parks Afterschool youth can utilize Computer Resource Centers to improve their literacy and computer skills.
Arts
Parks Afterschool youth develop their creative minds and bodies in various arts and culture programs, led by trained professionals. Among the arts courses offered are creative writing, dance, drama, music and visual art. In addition, Parks Afterschool youth participate in nature tours and visits to cultural institutions, which introduce them to the breadth of resources in New York City and allow them to learn in an active way.
Athletics
At Parks Afterschool, young athletes participate in a range of physical fitness activities. Youth are encouraged to develop their abilities in various team sports and learn new skills, such as swimming. Our coaches offer a balance of sports instruction, games, recreational fitness opportunities, and competitive play in citywide tournaments. Each season culminates in various special events.
Program schedule
September - June
Monday - Friday 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Registration
Registration is available from September through June. For more information about the Parks Afterschool Program, call (212) 360-3300. To register your child, contact your nearest Recreation Center.
Get Involved
If you are a business or nonprofit organization interested in supporting the Parks Afterschool Program, please contact (212) 360-3300.